Quality Imports: 21 American Shows Based on British Gems

''Life on Mars'' and ''The Office'' are only the latest TV programs to be imported from the United Kingdom -- ''All in the Family,'' ''Dancing With the Stars,'' and ''Three's Company'' also hail from the U.K.

By Aubry D'Arminio | Oct 09, 2008

Image credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX

IN THE U.S.: American Idol (2002-present)
IN THE U.K.: Pop Idol (2001-2003)
WHAT'S THE SAME: Wannabe singing stars rock the mic for Simon Cowell and fellow judges (the U.K. panel included English producer Pete ''the Bloke Who Gave Us Rick Astley and Kylie Minogue'' Waterman) as the nation votes for the winner.
WHAT'S DIFFERENT: Producer Nigel Lythgoe stuck around through Pop Idol's two-year run, but moved on from American Idol after season 7. Pop Idol also began with four judges, while American Idol employed just three until the announcement of new addition Kara DioGuardi.

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